Essential Oils - Uses for Aromatherapy in Health and Wellness

Essential oils have been used throughout history for a wide variety of purposes; from health, relaxation, medicine, perfumery, and prevention of disease and illness. Persian's are generally given credit for the modern distillation techniques, but plant oils have been used since the times of ancient civilizations.

Modern Uses of Essential Oils

In modern days, the use of essential oil widely varies from home use, to medicinal use my medical professional depending on the country and training of the user. While some countries, like America, tend to shy away from alternative medicine use in general, there are other countries that routinely implement the scientific findings about the benefits of essential oil use. Perfume companies also use essential oils in high-end fragrances and unique cologne blends.

Massage Essential Oil Uses

Essential oils are commonly used in massage therapy for relaxation, tension relief and skin care. For example lavender essential oil is common in many massage blends as it is known to relieve inflammation and to be emotionally relaxing. Other essential oils like rose, chamomile and sandalwood seem to nourish and soothe the skin. Some essential oils are used in massage for the pleasant or uplifting aromas they contribute such as geranium or rosewood.

Essential Oils - Uses for Illness Prevention

Many essential oils have strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal properties. These benefits are often used to help prevent flu, cold and other illnesses. Essential oils can be diffused through an atomizer or air diffuser so that the vapors are dispersed throughout a home, freshening and sanitizing any room. There are many essential oils used to prevent flu and other sickness, and sometimes alternating different oils can help with overall care during the cold and flu season.

Essential Oils - Uses to be Cautious About

All essential oils are highly potent. Because the essential oils are so concentrated, most of the time just a couple drops are all that is needed for one treatment or use. Nearly all essential oils should be diluted, whether through dispersion into the air, or with an oil or lotion base, or into a bath for water immersion depends on the desired result. Home use of essential oils is not recommend without some additional study and training. There are plenty of resources available to help determine whether a particular essential oil is contraindicated for use with your personal health and situation so be sure to do some additional study. Some favorite books of mine include: Natural Family Living, Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, and Aromatherapy: An A-Z: The Most Comprehensive Guide to Aromatherapy Ever Published